Here is a breakdown of my expenses for September.
Household | $436.08 |
Entertainment |
$141.71 |
Transportation |
$292.38 |
Food |
$109.64 |
Phone |
$26.81 |
Health |
$120.97 |
Total |
$1127.59 |
My September expenses were just slightly higher than I’d prefer. My expenses were over my stretch goal of $1000, but under my main goal of keeping them under $1274 a month.
I spent $125.39 to replace my automatic window motor and regulator in my car. Without that I would have been very close to having my expenses under $1000. I did do the repair myself which kept it from being even more expensive. I also had to transport my brother almost 200 miles after he was stranded in KC, which increased my gas expenditure a bit.
I was gone about half the month on my hike. It didn’t really increase my expenses since I slept for free in my car except for two hotel stays that were free with my travel rewards card. Food was about the same because I eat out a lot whether I’m at home or traveling. I did keep the cost of food down a little by doing some mystery shops and taking advantage of specials and the dollar menu.
My expenses for October should be about the same. I do plan on hiking and/or biking some more. I’ll also be attending the Financial Bloggers Conference. Those two things will make my expenses a little higher than normal, but since I’ll be doing both on the cheap they won’t make a big difference.
I’m okay with my current level of expenses considering the traveling I’m doing. I’m hoping I can reduce the expenses some later in the year.